Kansas is accepting applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program during the coming weeks to address COVID-19 needs.
Low income-families may submit applications until 5 p.m. Friday, May 29.
Kansas energy customers can apply for LIEAP program funds on the Kansas Department for Children and Families Energy Assistance website. Applicants will need utility account numbers, proof of income and Social Security numbers for all members of their household.
“We have customers in need of help right now and are pleased funds may be available to them with reopening the LIEAP applications window,” said David Mehlhaff, BPU chief communications officer. “When we are connecting with our customers to provide helpful resources and services, sharing information about LIEAP and assisting with applications is a meaningful way to help, especially now when times are challenging for so many.”
In response to the challenging times, in March the Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities suspended disconnects of utility service for non-payment and extended this temporary moratorium through May 31.
LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.
Typically, LIEAP is available in the fall and winter months, but the coronavirus situation has prompted the Kansas Department for Children and Families to reopen the application window through May 29.
Normally, LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups assisted.
To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. The level of benefit varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel and utility rates. Eligibility is based on an applicant’s heating bill. If an applicant needs assistance covering electric costs, they need to request the benefit be split between the two utilities.
To learn more about eligibility requirements or fill out a LIEAP application, visit the Kansas Department for Children and Families website or call 1-800-432-0043. LIEAP applications on the Kansas Department for Children and Families website became available beginning May 1, 2020.
Customers are encouraged to stay current with their bills to avoid getting too far behind and if anyone has any BPU billing or customer service questions, they can call 913-573-9190 and a utility representative is available to assist.
For more information, visit:
http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/pages/energy/energyassistance.aspx
http://www.dcf.ks.gov/Newsroom/Pages/LIEAP-Reopened.aspx
http://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal